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The coatings, pre-treatment equipment and application equipment you work with daily
The surface finisher's toolbox contains both chemistry and machines. Knowing the products and equipment — and when to use what — is a large part of the craft.
The most common coatings are wet paint (applied liquid) and powder lacquer (dry powder that is burned on). Wet paint comes in many types tailored to what the object must withstand. Powder lacquer gives a strong uniform surface without solvents and is widely used on industrial objects. In addition to the top layer a primer is often used that improves adhesion and rust protection.
To clean the item and make it clear, degreasing agents, blasting equipment (where an abrasive is thrown at the surface to remove rust and create roughness), grinding machines and chemical pre-treatment baths are used. Which equipment you use depends on the item's material, size and condition.
To ensure quality among other things layer thickness gauges are used that tell whether the coating is thick enough and equipment to check whether the surface was clean and dry enough before application. Measurement removes doubt — you don't guess you check.
Because you work with chemistry and fine mists, ventilation, spray booths, and respiratory protection are an inseparable part of the equipment. Spray mist and solvent vapors are harmful to health, and the equipment is there to keep them away from your lungs.
Skilled work is about matching coating, pretreatment, and application method to the task and the environment the item will live in. The better you know your products and your equipment, the more durable and beautiful the result.
“Right product, right equipment, clean surface — then the surface holds, no matter how hard the workpiece is used.”
— Professional view on materials and equipment.